Funchal: Cabo Girão, Wines Tasting and Dolphins Watching

If you’re considering spending a day exploring Madeira’s highlights, this Funchal tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines breathtaking scenery, local culture, and an exciting sea adventure. While I haven’t personally done this tour, based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it seems like a thoughtfully curated day that balances natural beauty with engaging activities.

What really draws us in are the spectacular views from Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest cliffs, and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat—that’s pretty hard to beat. Plus, the opportunity to taste Madeira’s famous wine at a local lodge makes this a well-rounded tour for those who love a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation.

That said, it’s not perfect for everyone. It’s an 8-hour experience with quite a lot packed in, so it might feel rushed for some. Also, the tour is tailored mainly for those comfortable with small group settings and off-road adventures. If you’re a family with very young children or have mobility issues, some parts might not be ideal.

In short, this tour seems best suited for curious travelers eager to see a slice of Madeira’s natural grandeur, enjoy a bit of local flavor, and experience a sea trip with good chances of dolphin sightings. If you’re after a flexible, informative, and scenic day, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines scenic viewpoints, cultural visits, and a sea adventure.
• Small group experience: Limited to 8 people, which often means more personalized attention.
• Variety of activities: Land, off-road, wine tasting, and boat trip—all in one day.
• Value for price: At $101, it offers a comprehensive experience with several highlights.
• Expert guides: Reviews commend the guides’ friendliness and knowledge.
• Potential for wildlife sightings: Dolphin watching is likely, with detailed info provided during the trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Madeira’s Highlights in One Day

This tour packs a lot into 8 hours, but its structure makes it manageable and rewarding. From start to finish, you get an authentic taste of Madeira’s landscapes, culture, and marine life, with enough variety to keep things interesting.

Starting with Boca dos Namorados and the View Over Nun’s Valley

Your day kicks off with breathtaking vistas over Funchal’s bay, heading uphill to Boca dos Namorados, perched nearly 1000 meters high. Here, the standout feature is the view over Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley)—a dramatic, secluded mountain village surrounded by steep cliffs. It’s a perfect spot for photos, and the scenery alone makes this stop worthwhile.

A quick safety briefing and some time to soak in the vistas are included, giving you a peaceful start before the more adventurous off-road part of the day. We loved the way this stop sets the tone—quiet, scenic, and full of local charm.

Off-road Adventure to Jardim da Serra

Next, you’ll hop into a 4×4 open-roof vehicle for an off-road ride through Jardim da Serra, a small village famous for cherry production. This off-road experience is genuinely fun—just a heads-up that the roads are narrow and steep, but your guide will keep things safe and friendly. It’s a great chance to see Madeira beyond the main tourist spots, with views of terraced fields and winding mountain roads.

A brief stop here supports the local community—think of it as a small but meaningful way to connect with local life. You can buy coffee, tea, or the traditional Poncha drink, which many say is a local favorite. This personal touch adds to the experience, making it feel less like a tourist trap and more like an authentic peek into Madeira life.

Cabo Girão: Europe’s Highest Cliff with the Glass Floor Balcony

Then, it’s time for the iconic Cabo Girão—Europe’s highest cliff at 580 meters. Here, the highlight is the viewpoint with a glass floor balcony that seems to hover over the abyss, offering thrilling photo opportunities. The cliff’s sheer drop makes it one of Madeira’s most dramatic spots, and the renovated viewpoint makes it accessible and modern.

Many reviews mention the “stunning views” and the “suspended glass floor,” which heighten the sense of adventure and awe. It’s a bit of a tourist magnet but worth it for the picture-perfect moments and the feeling of being on the edge of the world.

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Madeira Wine Tasting at Henriques & Henriques

After soaking in the views, you head to Henriques & Henriques, a reputable Madeira wine lodge. Here, you get a tasting session featuring various types—Sweet, Medium Sweet, Dry, and Medium Dry. This part of the tour is a definite highlight for wine lovers. The tasting is included in the price, and many reviews praise the quality and variety of wines.

Apart from just tasting, you’ll learn about Madeira’s famous wine production process, adding a bit of cultural depth to the experience. It’s a relaxing way to wind down the land portion of your day.

Lunch and Free Time at Funchal Harbor

Post-wine tasting, you’ll have some free time at Funchal’s marina. While the tour doesn’t include lunch, this is an ideal moment to grab a bite—many local cafes and restaurants are nearby. It’s also a good chance to stroll around, enjoy the harbor views, or just relax for a bit before the next big activity.

Dolphin Watching from the Catamaran

The sea adventure begins at the marina, with a 3-hour catamaran trip along Madeira’s south coast. This is the part many travelers look forward to: the chance to spot dolphins and whales in their natural environment. The crew is knowledgeable, and info about the cetacean species is shared during the trip, which adds educational value.

Reviews praise the boat trip, mentioning sightings of spotted dolphins and the overall relaxing atmosphere aboard the vessel. In summer, there’s even the added thrill of swimming below Cabo Girão, if conditions allow. The boat ride ends at around 6 pm back at Funchal’s harbor, wrapping up a full, varied day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the most praised aspects is the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Reviewers like Nele and Iris mention how guides make everyone feel safe and comfortable, especially during off-road driving and boat excursions. That personal touch can turn an already good experience into a memorable one.

The combination of stunning vistas, cultural insights, and marine life encounters offers great value. For $101, you’re getting a well-paced day that hits many of Madeira’s top sights—without the hassle of organizing separate activities or transportation.

The wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques is another plus, especially for those wanting to learn about Madeira’s unique wine production. Plus, the possibility of dolphin sightings adds an exciting wildlife element, making the trip more than just sightseeing.

Practical Considerations

While this tour is generally well-reviewed, it does have some points to consider. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, so it’s a full day—good for those who want an immersive overview but possibly tiring for anyone with limited stamina or very young children (not suitable for under 3s). The tour is also set up for small groups, limited to 8 participants, which can be great for personalized attention but may fill up quickly.

The price includes almost everything—guides, wine tasting, safety measures, and Wi-Fi on the van—making it straightforward. However, food and drinks outside the included wine tasting are not provided, so bringing snacks or planning for a meal afterward is advisable.

Transportation and pickup are included within central Funchal, but if you’re staying outside the area, there’s an extra fee. No drop-offs are available at the end, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re someone who loves a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and wildlife, this tour suits you well. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy scenic viewpoints and are comfortable with some off-road driving. The small group setting adds a personal touch, and the mix of land and sea activities keeps things lively.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues, very young children, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed, less packed itinerary. Also, if you’re not a fan of boat trips or dolphin sightings, you might find this part less appealing.

FAQ – Practical Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s not suitable for children under 3 years old, mainly because of the off-road driving and boat trip. Kids who are comfortable with these activities might enjoy it.

How long is the boat trip? The dolphin watching cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, starting after the wine tasting and free time at the harbor.

What’s included in the tour price? The cost covers transportation, guides, all insurances, safety instructions, Wi-Fi, and the wine tasting experience. Food and drinks outside the wine tasting are not included.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a dress code or specific clothing needed? While not explicitly stated, comfortable clothes suitable for a day outdoors and some walking are recommended, especially for the viewpoints and off-road parts.

Are there any accessibility issues? The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and those with mobility challenges should consider this.

What if I want to stay longer at certain spots? The itinerary is quite structured, but there is some free time at Funchal harbor—use it to grab a meal or explore a bit on your own.

Is the tour available in multiple languages? Yes, the guides speak Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

How can I book this tour? It’s available through providers like GetYourGuide, with options to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

What happens if I don’t see dolphins? Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the crew has a good track record, and the trip is designed to maximize chances.

Final Thoughts

This Funchal day trip offers an engaging mix of Madeira’s best features—spectacular views, cultural richness, and marine wildlife. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances sightseeing and relaxation, with a friendly guide leading the way.

If you’re after a full day that gives you a genuine taste of Madeira’s landscapes and local flavors, this tour provides excellent value. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it feel intimate and personal, while the variety of activities keeps the day lively.

While it’s a long day, most travelers find the experience rewarding—especially those who appreciate scenic vistas, good wine, and the chance to spot dolphins. Just keep in mind the physical aspects and set your expectations accordingly.

All in all, this tour makes a solid choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, fun, and memorable Madeira adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: